Supervising quickchannelinfo block, extendedchannelinfo message and sectorparameters message in wireless communication systems

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for supervising a QuickChannelInfo block, ExtendedChannelInfo message and SectorParameters message in a wireless communication is described. A QuickChannelInfo supervision timer for T OMPECISupervision  is set. It is determined if the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer is active. An ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer is set to T OMPECISupervision  and determined if ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer is active. ASectorParameters supervision timer is set to T OMPSPSupervision  and determined if the SectorParameters supervision timer is active.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C.§119

The present application for patent claims priority to ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/731,126 entitled “METHODS AND APPARATUS FORPROVIDING MOBILE BROADBAND WIRELESS LOWER MAC”, filed Oct. 27, 2005,assigned to the assignee hereof, and expressly incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, andmore particularly to method and apparatus for supervisingQuickChannelInfo block, ExtendedChannelInfo message and SectorParametersmessage.

2. Background

Wireless communication systems have become a prevalent means by which amajority of people worldwide have come to communicate. Wirelesscommunication devices have become smaller and more powerful in order tomeet consumer needs and to improve portability and convenience. Theincrease in processing power in mobile devices such as cellulartelephones has lead to an increase in demands on wireless networktransmission systems. Such systems typically are not as easily updatedas the cellular devices that communicate there over. As mobile devicecapabilities expand, it can be difficult to maintain an older wirelessnetwork system in a manner that facilitates fully exploiting new andimproved wireless device capabilities.

Wireless communication systems generally utilize different approaches togenerate transmission resources in the form of channels. These systemsmay be code division multiplexing (CDM) systems, frequency divisionmultiplexing (FDM) systems, and time division multiplexing (TDM)systems. One commonly utilized variant of FDM is orthogonal frequencydivision multiplexing (OFDM) that effectively partitions the overallsystem bandwidth into multiple orthogonal subcarriers. These subcarriersmay also be referred to as tones, bins, and frequency channels. Eachsubcarrier can be modulated with data. With time division basedtechniques, each subcarrier can comprise a portion of sequential timeslices or time slots. Each user may be provided with a one or more timeslot and subcarrier combinations for transmitting and receivinginformation in a defined burst period or frame. The hopping schemes maygenerally be a symbol rate hopping scheme or a block hopping scheme.

Code division based techniques typically transmit data over a number offrequencies available at any time in a range. In general, data isdigitized and spread over available bandwidth, wherein multiple userscan be overlaid on the channel and respective users can be assigned aunique sequence code. Users can transmit in the same wide-band chunk ofspectrum, wherein each user's signal is spread over the entire bandwidthby its respective unique spreading code. The technique can provide forsharing, wherein one or more users can concurrently transmit andreceive. Such sharing can be achieved through spread spectrum digitalmodulation, wherein a user's stream of bits is generate d and spreadacross a very wide channel in a pseudo-random fashion. The receiver isdesigned to recognize the associated unique sequence code and undo therandomization in order to collect the bits for a particular user in acoherent manner.

A typical wireless communication network (e.g., employing frequency,time, and/or code division techniques) includes one or more basestations that provide a coverage area and one or more mobile (e.g.,wireless) terminals that can transmit and receive data within thecoverage area. A typical base station can simultaneously transmitmultiple data streams for broadcast, multicast, and/or unicast services,wherein a data stream is a stream of data that can be of independentreception interest to a mobile terminal. A mobile terminal within thecoverage area of that base station can be interested in receiving one,more than one or all the data streams transmitted from the base station.Likewise, a mobile terminal can transmit data to the base station oranother mobile terminal. In these systems the bandwidth and other systemresources are assigned utilizing a scheduler.

The signals, signal formats, signal exchanges, methods, processes, andtechniques disclosed herein provide several advantages over knownapproaches. These include, for example, reduced signaling overhead,improved system throughput, increased signaling flexibility, reducedinformation processing, reduced transmission bandwidth, reduced bitprocessing, increased robustness, improved efficiency, and reducedtransmission power.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more embodimentsin order to provide a basic understanding of such embodiments. Thesummary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments,and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of allembodiments nor delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. Its solepurpose is to present some concepts of one or more embodiments in asimplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that ispresented later.

According to an embodiment, a method is provided for supervisingoperation including QuickChannelInfo block in a wireless communicationsystem comprising setting a QuickChannelInfo supervision timer forT_(OMPECISupervision) and determining if QuickChannelInfo supervisiontimer is active.

According to yet another embodiment, an apparatus operable in a wirelesscommunication system is described which includes means for setting aQuickChannelInfo supervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision) and meansfor determining if QuickChannelInfo supervision timer is active.

According to yet another embodiment, a computer readable medium isdescribed having a first set of instructions for setting aQuickChannelInfo supervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision) and asecond set of instructions for determining if QuickChannelInfosupervision timer is active.

According to an embodiment, a method is provided for supervisingoperation including ExtendedChannelInfo message in a wirelesscommunication system comprising setting an ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision) and determining ifExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer is active.

According to yet another embodiment, an apparatus operable in a wirelesscommunication system is described which includes means for setting anExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision) andmeans for determining if ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer isactive.

According to yet another embodiment, a computer readable medium isdescribed having a first set of instructions for setting anExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision) and asecond set of instructions for determining if ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer is active.

According to an embodiment, a method is provided for supervisingSectorParameters message in a wireless communication system comprisingsetting a SectorParameters supervision timer for T_(OMPSPSupervision)and determining if SectorParameters supervision timer is active.

According to yet another embodiment, an apparatus operable in a wirelesscommunication system is described which includes means for setting aSectorParameters supervision timer for T_(OMPSPSupervision) and meansfor determining if SectorParameters supervision timer is active.

According to yet another embodiment, a computer readable medium isdescribed having a first set of instructions for setting aSectorParameters supervision timer for T_(OMPSPSupervision) and a secondset of instructions for determining if SectorParameters supervisiontimer is active

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or moreembodiments comprise the features hereinafter fully described andparticularly pointed out in the claims. The following description andthe annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrativeembodiments of the one or more embodiments. These embodiments areindicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which theprinciples of various embodiments may be employed and the describedembodiments are intended to include all such embodiments and theirequivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates embodiments of a multiple access wirelesscommunication system;

FIG. 2 illustrates embodiments of a transmitter and receiver in amultiple access wireless communication system;

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate embodiments of superframe structures for amultiple access wireless communication system;

FIG. 4A illustrates a flow diagram of a process used by access terminalfor supervising QuickChannelInfo block;

FIG. 4B illustrates one or more processors for supervisingQuickChannelInfo block;

FIG. 5A illustrates a flow diagram of a process used by the accessterminal for supervising ExtendedChannelInfo message;

FIG. 5B illustrates one or more processors for supervisingExtendedChannelInfo message;

FIG. 6A illustrates a flow diagram of a process used by access terminalfor supervising SectorParameters message; and

FIG. 6B illustrates one or more processors for supervisingSectorParameters message.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are now described with reference to the drawings,wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elementsthroughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of one or more embodiments. It may be evident; however,that such embodiment(s) may be practiced without these specific details.In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in blockdiagram form in order to facilitate describing one or more embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 1, a multiple access wireless communication systemaccording to one embodiment is illustrated. A multiple access wirelesscommunication system 100 includes multiple cells, e.g. cells 102, 104,and 106. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, each cell 102, 104, and 106 mayinclude an access point 150 that includes multiple sectors. The multiplesectors are formed by groups of antennas each responsible forcommunication with access terminals in a portion of the cell. In cell102, antenna groups 112, 114, and 116 each correspond to a differentsector. In cell 104, antenna groups 118, 120, and 122 each correspond toa different sector. In cell 106, antenna groups 124, 126, and 128 eachcorrespond to a different sector.

Each cell includes several access terminals which are in communicationwith one or more sectors of each access point. For example, accessterminals 130 and 132 are in communication base 142, access terminals134 and 136 are in communication with access point 144, and accessterminals 138 and 140 are in communication with access point 146.

Controller 130 is coupled to each of the cells 102, 104, and 106.Controller 130 may contain one or more connections to multiple networks,e.g. the Internet, other packet based networks, or circuit switchedvoice networks that provide information to, and from, the accessterminals in communication with the cells of the multiple accesswireless communication system 100. The controller 130 includes, or iscoupled with, a scheduler that schedules transmission from and to accessterminals. In other embodiments, the scheduler may reside in eachindividual cell, each sector of a cell, or a combination thereof.

As used herein, an access point may be a fixed station used forcommunicating with the terminals and may also be referred to as, andinclude some or all the functionality of, a base station, a Node B, orsome other terminology. An access terminal may also be referred to as,and include some or all the functionality of, a user equipment (UE), awireless communication device, terminal, a mobile station or some otherterminology.

It should be noted that while FIG. 1, depicts physical sectors, i.e.having different antenna groups for different sectors, other approachesmay be utilized. For example, utilizing multiple fixed “beams” that eachcover different areas of the cell in frequency space may be utilized inlieu of, or in combination with physical sectors. Such an approach isdepicted and disclosed in copending U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/260,895, entitled “Adaptive Sectorization In Cellular System.”

Referring to FIG. 2, a block diagram of an embodiment of a transmittersystem 210 and a receiver system 250 in a MIMO system 200 isillustrated. At transmitter system 210, traffic data for a number ofdata streams is provided from a data source 212 to transmit (TX) dataprocessor 214. In an embodiment, each data stream is transmitted over arespective transmit antenna. TX data processor 214 formats, codes, andinterleaves the traffic data for each data stream based on a particularcoding scheme selected for that data stream to provide coded data.

The coded data for each data stream may be multiplexed with pilot datausing OFDM, or other orthogonalization or non-orthogonalizationtechniques. The pilot data is typically a known data pattern that isprocessed in a known manner and may be used at the receiver system toestimate the channel response. The multiplexed pilot and coded data foreach data stream is then modulated (i.e., symbol mapped) based on one ormore particular modulation schemes (e.g., BPSK, QSPK, M-PSK, or M-QAM)selected for that data stream to provide modulation symbols. The datarate, coding, and modulation for each data stream may be determined byinstructions performed on provided by processor 230.

The modulation symbols for all data streams are then provided to a TXprocessor 220, which may further process the modulation symbols (e.g.,for OFDM). TX processor 220 then provides N_(T) modulation symbolstreams to N_(T) transmitters (TMTR) 222 a through 222 t. Eachtransmitter 222 receives and processes a respective symbol stream toprovide one or more analog signals, and further conditions (e.g.,amplifies, filters, and upconverts) the analog signals to provide amodulated signal suitable for transmission over the MIMO channel. N_(T)modulated signals from transmitters 222 a through 222 t are thentransmitted from N_(T) antennas 224 a through 224 t, respectively.

At receiver system 250, the transmitted modulated signals are receivedby N_(R) antennas 252 a through 252 r and the received signal from eachantenna 252 is provided to a respective receiver (RCVR) 254. Eachreceiver 254 conditions (e.g., filters, amplifies, and downconverts) arespective received signal, digitizes the conditioned signal to providesamples, and further processes the samples to provide a corresponding“received” symbol stream.

An RX data processor 260 then receives and processes the N_(R) receivedsymbol streams from N_(R) receivers 254 based on a particular receiverprocessing technique to provide N_(T) “detected” symbol streams. Theprocessing by RX data processor 260 is described in further detailbelow. Each detected symbol stream includes symbols that are estimatesof the modulation symbols transmitted for the corresponding data stream.RX data processor 260 then demodulates, deinterleaves, and processeseach detected symbol stream to recover the traffic data for the datastream. The processing by RX data processor 218 is complementary to thatperformed by TX processor 220 and TX data processor 214 at transmittersystem 210.

RX data processor 260 may be limited in the number of subcarriers thatit may simultaneously demodulate, e.g. 512 subcarriers or 5 MHz, andsuch a receiver should be scheduled on a single carrier. The limitationmay be a function of its FFT range, e.g. sample rates at which theprocessor 260 may operate, the memory available for FFT, or otherfunctions available for demodulation. Further, the greater the number ofsubcarriers utilized, the greater the expense of the access terminal.

The channel response estimate generate d by RX processor 260 may be usedto perform space, space/time processing at the receiver, adjust powerlevels, change modulation rates or schemes, or other actions. RXprocessor 260 may further estimate the signal-to-noise-and-interferenceratios (SNRs) of the detected symbol streams, and possibly other channelcharacteristics, and provides these quantities to a processor 270. RXdata processor 260 or processor 270 may further derive an estimate ofthe “operating” SNR for the system. Processor 270 then provides channelstate information (CSI), which may comprise various types of informationregarding the communication link and/or the received data stream. Forexample, the CSI may comprise only the operating SNR. In otherembodiments, the CSI may comprise a channel quality indicator (CQI),which may be a numerical value indicative of one or more channelconditions. The CSI is then processed by a TX data processor 278,modulated by a modulator 280, conditioned by transmitters 254 a through254 r, and transmitted back to transmitter system 210.

At transmitter system 210, the modulated signals from receiver system250 are received by antennas 224, conditioned by receivers 222,demodulated by a demodulator 240, and processed by a RX data processor242 to recover the CSI reported by the receiver system. The reported CSIis then provided to processor 230 and used to (1) determine the datarates and coding and modulation schemes to be used for the data streamsand (2) generate various controls for TX data processor 214 and TXprocessor 220. Alternatively, the CSI may be utilized by processor 270to determine modulation schemes and/or coding rates for transmission,along with other information. The may then be provided to thetransmitter which uses the information, which may be quantized, toprovide later transmissions to the receiver.

Processors 230 and 270 direct the operation at the transmitter andreceiver systems, respectively. Memories 232 and 272 provide storage forprogram codes and data used by processors 230 and 270, respectively.

At the receiver, various processing techniques may be used to processthe N_(R) received signals to detect the N_(T) transmitted symbolstreams. These receiver processing techniques may be grouped into twoprimary categories (i) spatial and space-time receiver processingtechniques (which are also referred to as equalization techniques); and(ii) “successive nulling/equalization and interference cancellation”receiver processing technique (which is also referred to as “successiveinterference cancellation” or “successive cancellation” receiverprocessing technique).

While FIG. 2 discusses a MIMO system, the same system may be applied toa multi-input single-output system where multiple transmit antennas,e.g. those on a base station, transmit one or more symbol streams to asingle antenna device, e.g. a mobile station. Also, a single output tosingle input antenna system may be utilized in the same manner asdescribed with respect to FIG. 2.

The transmission techniques described herein may be implemented byvarious means. For example, these techniques may be implemented inhardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. For a hardwareimplementation, the processing units at a transmitter may be implementedwithin one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs),digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices(DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gatearrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers,microprocessors, processors, other electronic units designed to performthe functions described herein, or a combination thereof. The processingunits at a receiver may also be implemented within one or more ASICs,DSPs, processors, and so on.

For a software implementation, the transmission techniques may beimplemented with processors (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on)that perform the functions described herein. The software codes may bestored in a memory (e.g., memory 230, 272 x or 272 y in FIG. 2) andexecuted by a processor (e.g., processor 232, 270 x or 270 y). Thememory may be implemented within the processor or external to theprocessor.

It should be noted that the concept of channels herein refers toinformation or transmission types that may be transmitted by the accesspoint or access terminal. It does not require or utilize fixed orpredetermined blocks of subcarriers, time periods, or other resourcesdedicated to such transmissions.

Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, embodiments of superframe structures for amultiple access wireless communication system are illustrated. FIG. 3Aillustrates embodiments of superframe structures for a frequencydivision duplexed (FDD) multiple access wireless communication system,while FIG. 3B illustrates embodiments of superframe structures for atime division duplexed (TDD) multiple access wireless communicationsystem. The superframe preamble may be transmitted separately for eachcarrier or may span all of the carriers of the sector.

In both FIGS. 3A and 3B, the forward link transmission is divided intounits of superframes. A superframe may consist of a superframe preamblefollowed by a series of frames. In an FDD system, the reverse link andthe forward link transmission may occupy different frequency bandwidthsso that transmissions on the links do not, or for the most part do not,overlap on any frequency subcarriers. In a TDD system, N forward linkframes and M reverse link frames define the number of sequential forwardlink and reverse link frames that may be continuously transmitted priorto allowing transmission of the opposite type of frame. It should benoted that the number of N and M may be vary within a given superframeor between superframes.

In both FDD and TDD systems each superframe may comprise a superframepreamble. In certain embodiments, the superframe preamble includes apilot channel that includes pilots that may be used for channelestimation by access terminals, a broadcast channel that includesconfiguration information that the access terminal may utilize todemodulate the information contained in the forward link frame. Furtheracquisition information such as timing and other information sufficientfor an access terminal to communicate on one of the carriers and basicpower control or offset information may also be included in thesuperframe preamble. In other cases, only some of the above and/or otherinformation may be included in the superframe preamble.

As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the superframe preamble is followed by asequence of frames. Each frame may consist of a same or a differentnumber of OFDM symbols, which may constitute a number of subcarriersthat may simultaneously utilized for transmission over some definedperiod. Further, each frame may operate according to a symbol ratehopping mode, where one or more non-contiguous OFDM symbols are assignedto a user on a forward link or reverse link, or a block hopping mode,where users hop within a block of OFDM symbols. The actual blocks orOFDM symbols may or may not hop between frames.

The access terminal processes the QuickChannelInfo block,ExtendedChannelInfo message and SectorParameters message according to anembodiment. Using a communication link and based upon predeterminedtiming, system conditions, or other decision criteria, the accessterminal will process the QuickChannelInfo block, ExtendedChannelInfomessage and SectorParameters message. The communication link may beimplemented using communication protocols/standards such as WorldInteroperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), infrared protocols suchas Infrared Data Association (IrDA), short-range wirelessprotocols/technologies, Bluetooth® technology, ZigBee® protocol, ultrawide band (UWB) protocol, home radio frequency (HomeRF), shared wirelessaccess protocol (SWAP), wideband technology such as a wireless Ethernetcompatibility alliance (WECA), wireless fidelity alliance (Wi-FiAlliance), 802.11 network technology, public switched telephone networktechnology, public heterogeneous communications network technology suchas the Internet, private wireless communications network, land mobileradio network, code division multiple access (CDMA), wideband codedivision multiple access (WCDMA), universal mobile telecommunicationssystem (UMTS), advanced mobile phone service (AMPS), time divisionmultiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA),orthogonal frequency division multiple (OFDM), orthogonal frequencydivision multiple access (OFDMA), orthogonal frequency division multipleFLASH (OFDM-FLASH), global system for mobile communications (GSM),single carrier (1×) radio transmission technology (RTT), evolution dataonly (EV-DO) technology, general packet radio service (GPRS), enhanceddata GSM environment (EDGE), high speed downlink data packet access(HSPDA), analog and digital satellite systems, and any othertechnologies/protocols that may be used in at least one of a wirelesscommunications network and a data communications network

The access terminal is configured to process the QuickChannelInfo blockcomprising setting a QuickChannelInfo supervision timer forT_(OMPECISupervision) and determining if QuickChannelInfo supervisiontimer is active. In one embodiment, the access terminal determines ifthe QuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’ and resets the QuickChannelInfosupervision timer. In another embodiment, the access terminal determinesif the QuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’ and starts theQuickChannelInfo supervision timer. In one embodiment, the accessterminal determines if the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer hasexpired and returns a SupervisionFailed indication and disables theQuickChannelInfo supervision timer.

The access terminal is configured to process the ExtendedChannelInfomessage comprising setting a ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer forT_(OMPECISupervision) and determining if ExtendedChannelInfo supervisiontimer is active. In one embodiment, the access terminal determines ifthe ExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’ and resets theExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer. In another embodiment, the accessterminal determines if the ExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’ andstarts the ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer. In one embodiment, theaccess terminal determines if the ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timerhas expired and returns a SupervisionFailed indication and disables theExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer.

The access terminal is configured to process the SectorParametersmessage comprising setting a SectorParameters supervision timer forT_(OMPSPSupervision) and determining if SectorParameters supervisiontimer is active. In one embodiment, the access terminal determines ifthe SectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘1’ and resets the SectorParameterssupervision timer. In another embodiment, the access terminal determinesif the SectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘0’ and starts theSectorParameters supervision timer. In one embodiment, the accessterminal determines if the SectorParameters supervision timer hasexpired and returns a SupervisionFailed indication and disables theSectorParameters supervision timer.

FIG. 4A illustrates a flow diagram of process 400, according to anembodiment. At 402, the access terminal sets a QuickChannelInfosupervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision). At 404, the access terminaldetermines if QuickChannelInfo supervision timer is active. In oneembodiment, at 406, the access terminal determines if theQuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’ and at 408, the access terminalresets the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer. In another embodiment, at410, the access terminal determines if the QuickChannelInfoUpToDatebecomes ‘0’ and at 412, the access terminal starts the QuickChannelInfosupervision timer. In one embodiment, at 414, the access terminaldetermines if the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer has expired. At416, the access terminal returns a SupervisionFailed indication anddisables the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer. Determining if theQuickChannelInfo supervision timer is active increases the accessterminal efficiency such that one or more of the aforementionedembodiments need not occur.

FIG. 4B illustrates a processor 450 for supervising the QuickChannelInfoblock. The processor referred to may be electronic devices and maycomprise one or more processors configured for supervising theQuickChannelInfo block. Processor 452 sets a QuickChannelInfosupervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision). Processor 454 determines ifQuickChannelInfo supervision timer is active. In one embodiment,processor 456, determines if the QuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’and processor 458 resets the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer. Inanother embodiment, processor 460 determines if theQuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’ and processor 462 starts theQuickChannelInfo supervision timer. In one embodiment, Processor 464determines if the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer has expired.Processor 466 returns a SupervisionFailed indication and disables theQuickChannelInfo supervision timer. The functionality of the discreteprocessors 452 to 466 depicted in the figure may be combined into asingle processor 468. A memory 470 is also coupled to the processor 468.Determining if the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer is activeincreases the processing efficiency such that one or more of theaforementioned embodiments need not occur.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is described which includes meansfor supervising the QuickChannelInfo block comprising setting aQuickChannelInfo supervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision) anddetermining if QuickChannelInfo supervision timer is active. In oneembodiment, the apparatus comprises means for determining if theQuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’ and means for resetting theQuickChannelInfo supervision timer. In another embodiment, the apparatuscomprises means for determining if the QuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes‘0’ and means for starting the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer. Inone embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for determining if theQuickChannelInfo supervision timer has expired. The apparatus alsocomprises means for returning a SupervisionFailed indication and meansfor disabling the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer. The meansdescribed herein may be one or more processors.

FIG. 5A illustrates a flow diagram of process 500, according to anembodiment. At 502, the access terminal sets an ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision). At 504, the access terminaldetermines if ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer is active. In oneembodiment, at 506, the access terminal determines if theExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’ and at 508, the access terminalresets the ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer. In another embodiment,at 510, the access terminal determines if theExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’ and at 512, the access terminalstarts the ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer. In one embodiment, at514, the access terminal determines if the ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer has expired. At 516, the access terminal returns aSupervisionFailed indication and disables the ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer. Determining if the ExtendedChannelInfo supervisiontimer is active increases the access terminal efficiency such that oneor more of the aforementioned embodiments need not occur.

FIG. 5B illustrates a processor 550 for supervising theExtendedChannelInfo message. The processor referred to may be electronicdevices and may comprise one or more processors configured forsupervising the ExtendedChannelInfo message. Processor 502 sets anExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision).Processor 554, the access terminal determines if ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer is active. In one embodiment, processor 556 determinesif the ExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’ and processor 558 resetsthe ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer. In another embodiment,processor 560 determines if the ExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’and processor 562 starts the ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer. Inone embodiment, processor 564 determines if the ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer has expired. Processor 566 returns a SupervisionFailedindication and disables the ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer. Thefunctionality of the discrete processors 552 to 566 depicted in thefigure may be combined into a single processor 568. A memory 570 is alsocoupled to the processor 568. Determining if the ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer is active increases the processing efficiency suchthat one or more of the aforementioned embodiments need not occur.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is described which includes meansfor supervising the ExtendedChannelInfo message comprising setting anExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer for T_(OMPECISupervision) anddetermining if ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer is active. In oneembodiment, the apparatus comprises means for determining if theExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’ and means for resetting theExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer. In another embodiment, theapparatus comprises means for determining if theExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’ and means for starting theExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer. In one embodiment, the apparatuscomprises means for determining if the ExtendedChannelInfo supervisiontimer has expired. The apparatus also comprises means for returning aSupervisionFailed indication and means for disabling theExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer. The means described herein may beone or more processors.

FIG. 6A illustrates a flow diagram of process 600, according to anembodiment. At 602, the access terminal sets a SectorParameterssupervision timer for T_(OMPSPSupervision). At 604, the access terminaldetermines if SectorParameters supervision timer is active. In oneembodiment, at 606, the access terminal determines if theSectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘1’. At 608, the access terminal resetsthe SectorParameters supervision timer. In another embodiment, at 610,the access terminal determines if the SectorParametersUpToDate becomes‘0’. At 612, the access terminal starts the SectorParameters supervisiontimer. In one embodiment, at 614, the access terminal determines if theSectorParameters supervision timer has expired. At 616, the accessterminal returns a SupervisionFailed indication and disables theSectorParameters supervision timer. Determining if the SectorParameterssupervision timer is active increases the access terminal efficiencysuch that one or more of the aforementioned embodiments need not occur.

FIG. 6B illustrates a processor 650 for supervising the SectorParametersmessage. The processor referred to may be electronic devices and maycomprise one or more processors configured for supervising theSectorParameters message. Processor 652 sets a SectorParameterssupervision timer for T_(OMPSPSupervision). Processor 654 determines ifSectorParameters supervision timer is active. In one embodiment,processor 656 determines if the SectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘1’.Processor 658 resets the SectorParameters supervision timer. In anotherembodiment, processor 660 determines if the SectorParametersUpToDatebecomes ‘0’ and processor 662 starts the SectorParameters supervisiontimer. In one embodiment, processor 664 determines if theSectorParameters supervision timer has expired. Processor 666 returns aSupervisionFailed indication and disables the SectorParameterssupervision timer. The functionality of the discrete processors 652 to666 depicted in the figure may be combined into a single processor 668.A memory 670 is also coupled to the processor 668. Determining if theSectorParameters supervision timer is active increases the processingefficiency such that one or more of the aforementioned embodiments neednot occur.

In another embodiment, an apparatus is described which includes meansfor supervising the SectorParameters message comprising setting aSectorParameters supervision timer for T_(OMPSPSupervision) anddetermining if SectorParameters supervision timer is active. In oneembodiment, the apparatus comprises means for determining if theSectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘1’ and means for resetting theSectorParameters supervision timer. In another embodiment, the apparatuscomprises means for determining if the SectorParametersUpToDate becomes‘0’ and means for starting the SectorParameters supervision timer. Inone embodiment, the apparatus comprises means for determining if theSectorParameters supervision timer has expired. The apparatus alsocomprises means for returning a SupervisionFailed indication and meansfor disabling the SectorParameters supervision timer. The meansdescribed herein may be one or more processors.

Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software,firmware, middleware, microcode, or any combination thereof. Whenimplemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the programcode or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in amachine readable medium such as a separate storage(s) not shown. Aprocessor may perform the necessary tasks. A code segment may representa procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, asubroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination ofinstructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment maybe coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passingand/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memorycontents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed,forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memorysharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.

Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein maybe applied to other embodiments. Thus, the description is not intendedto be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded thewidest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosedherein.

1. A method of supervising operation including a QuickChannelInfo blockin a wireless communication system, characterized in that: setting aQuickChannelInfo supervision timer to T_(OMPECISupervision); anddetermining if the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer is active.
 2. Themethod as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that determining if theQuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’.
 3. The method as claimed in claim2, characterized in that resetting the QuickChannelInfo supervisiontimer, if the QuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’.
 4. The method asclaimed in claim 1, characterized in that determining if theQuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’.
 5. The method as claimed in claim4, characterized in that starting the QuickChannelInfo supervisiontimer, if the QuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’.
 6. The method asclaimed in claim 1, characterized in that returning a SupervisionFailedindication and disabling the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer, if theQuickChannelInfo supervision timer has expired.
 7. A computer readablemedium including instructions stored thereon, characterized in that:first instructions for setting a QuickChannelInfo supervision timer forT_(OMPECISupervision); and second instructions for determining if theQuickChannelInfo supervision timer is active.
 8. An apparatus operablein a wireless communication system, characterized in that: means forsetting a QuickChannelInfo supervision timer to T_(OMPECISupervision);and means for determining if the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer isactive.
 9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 8, characterized in thatmeans for determining if the QuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’. 10.The apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that means forresetting the QuickChannelInfo supervision timer, if theQuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’.
 11. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 8, characterized in that means for determining if theQuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’.
 12. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 11, characterized in that means for starting the QuickChannelInfosupervision timer, if the QuickChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’.
 13. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 14, characterized in that means forreturning a SupervisionFailed indication and disabling theQuickChannelInfo supervision timer, if the QuickChannelInfo supervisiontimer has expired.
 14. A method of supervising operation including anExtendedChannelInfo message in a wireless communication system,characterized in that: setting an ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timerto T_(OMPECISupervision); and determining if ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer is active.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 14,characterized in that determining if the ExtendedChannelInfoUpToDatebecomes ‘1’.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 15, characterized inthat resetting the ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer, if theExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’.
 17. The method as claimed inclaim 14, characterized in that determining if theExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’
 18. The method as claimed inclaim 17, characterized in that starting the ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer, if the ExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’. 19.The method as claimed in claim 21, characterized in that returning aSupervisionFailed indication and disabling the ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer, if the ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer expires.20. A computer readable medium including instructions stored thereon,characterized in that: first instructions for setting anExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer to T_(OMPECISupervision); andsecond instructions for determining if ExtendedChannelInfosupervisiontimer is active.
 21. An apparatus operable in a wireless communicationsystem, characterized in that: means for setting an ExtendedChannelInfosupervision timer to T_(OMPECISupervision); and means for determining ifExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer is active.
 22. The apparatus asclaimed in claim 21, characterized in that means for determining if theExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’.
 23. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 22, characterized in that means for resetting theExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer, if theExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘1’.
 24. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 21, characterized in that means for determining if theExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’.
 25. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 24, characterized in that means for starting theExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer, if theExtendedChannelInfoUpToDate becomes ‘0’.
 26. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 21, characterized in that means for returning a SupervisionFailedindication and disabling the ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer, ifthe ExtendedChannelInfo supervision timer expires.
 27. A method ofsupervising a SectorParameters message in a wireless communicationsystem, characterized in that: setting a SectorParameters supervisiontimer to T_(OMPSPSupervision); and determining if the SectorParameterssupervision timer is active.
 28. The method as claimed in claim 27,characterized in that determining if the SectorParametersUpToDatebecomes ‘1’.
 29. The method as claimed in claim 28, characterized inthat resetting the SectorParameters supervision timer, if theSectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘1’.
 30. The method as claimed in claim27, characterized in that determining if the SectorParametersUpToDatebecomes ‘0’.
 31. The method as claimed in claim 30, characterized inthat starting the SectorParameters supervision timer, if theSectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘0’.
 32. The method as claimed in claim27, characterized in that returning a SupervisionFailed indication anddisabling the SectorParameters supervision timer, if theSectorParameters supervision timer expires.
 33. A computer readablemedium including instructions stored thereon, characterized in that: afirst set of instructions for setting a SectorParameters supervisiontimer for T_(OMPSPSupervision); and a second set of instructions fordetermining if SectorParameterssupervision timer is active.
 34. Anapparatus operable in a wireless communication system, characterized inthat: means for setting a SectorParameters supervision timer toT_(OMPSPSupervision); and means for determining if SectorParameterssupervioin timer is active.
 35. The apparatus as claimed in claim 34,characterized in that means for determining if theSectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘1’.
 36. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 35, characterized in that means for resetting the SectorParameterssupervision timer, if the SectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘1’.
 37. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 34, characterized in that means fordetermining if the SectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘0’.
 38. Theapparatus as claimed in claim 37, characterized in that means forstarting the SectorParameters supervision timer, if theSectorParametersUpToDate becomes ‘1’.
 39. The apparatus as claimed inclaim 34, characterized in that means for returning a SupervisionFailedindication and disabling the SectorParameters supervision timer, if theSectorParameters supervision timer expires.